Latest on Phil Kessel, Eric Staal, Ryan O’Reilly, Drew Stafford, Eddie Lack and more.
Highlights from Friedman’s “30 Thoughts.”
Note: My response is in italics.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman speculates over the possibility of teams seeking a top prospect defenseman in this year’s draft trying to trade up in the draft order by pursuing the Arizona Coyotes’ first-round pick (third overall). He suggests Columbus and Colorado as two potential candidates.
Teams seeking defensemen might consider the LA Kings’ farm team, the Manchester Monarchs. Blueliners Colin Miller and Derek Forbort played well during the Monarchs run to the 2015 Calder Cup championship.
The Vancouver Canucks could trade a goaltender but it won’t be starter Ryan Miller. If they shop backup Eddie Lack it won’t necessarily be for a second-round pick.
The Buffalo Sabres need a goalie and have two second-round picks in this year’s draft, one of which is 31st overall. Considering the Sabres also have two picks in the first round, perhaps the Canucks could pry that 31st away from the Sabres?
New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot could be the top choice for a cap-friendly potential starting goalie.
The Detroit Red Wings could seek a physical defenseman to help alleviate the workload of Niklas Kronwall.
Could Eric Staal and Cam Ward accept less money to stay with the Carolina Hurricanes?
Nothing new to report regarding contract discussions between the Carolina Hurricanes and captain Eric Staal and staring goalie Cam Ward. Both have a year left on their contracts. Friedman speculates they might be willing to stay for lesser amounts than their current annual cap hits ($8.25 million for Staal, $6.3 million for Ward) but isn’t sure how much of a pay cut is agreeable.
Given Ryan O’Reilly’s UFA status next summer and history of contentious contract negotiations with the Colorado Avalanche, the Avs are willing to listen to offers for the center. Friedman suspects if the Avs trade him they’ll want at least a significant defenseman in return.
Just because they’re listening doesn’t mean O’Reilly’s a goner. It’s worthwhile to test the trade market now as late-June is typically when most of the NHL’s offseason deals take place.
The Calgary Flames are currently the most aggressive in the trade market right now. While they have plenty of cap space, they won’t do anything that jeopardizes their efforts to re-sign Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Mark Giordano. Winger Jiri Hudler is a year away from UFA status, but given the season he just had, it’ll take a significant offer to pry him out of Calgary.
So, no Phil Kessel to Calgary? I mention that because Friedman recently wondered if the Flames could be a trade destination for the Leafs winger.
The Winnipeg Jets and winger Drew Stafford (a pending UFA) are working toward a new contract.
Stafford meshed quickly with the Jets following his arrival from Buffalo in the Evander Kane deal. Don’t be surprised if he stays in Winnipeg.
Friedman originally believed the Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers might attempt to acquire Toronto’s Phil Kessel but now thinks cap reasons and the need to re-sign key players takes them out of the running.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie recently listed the eight clubs which were on Kessel’s preferred trade destination list this season. The Predators and Panthers weren’t on that list. Maybe that changes this summer if Kessel submits an updated list or the Leafs ask him to broaden it, but I have my doubts the Predators or Panthers will pursue him. As Friedman observed, the Predators must soon re-sign young stars Filip Forsberg and Seth Jones. The Panthers acquisition and re-signing of Jaromir Jagr likely takes them out of the market for a scoring winger. Despite his age, Jagr played very well with young linemates Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov.
The San Jose Sharks attempted to sign Niklas Hjalmarsson away from the Chicago Blackhawks via offer sheet in 2010. Friedman wonders if they might target the ‘Hawks again this summer or another cap-strapped club.
Can’t rule anything out. Bear in mind, however, any player they target on those teams has to be willing to accept an offer sheet.
Updates on the Canadiens and Red Wings.
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels speculates over which players the Montreal Canadiens could move to free up salary-cap space. They have $65.3 million invested in 19 players for next season. Given that over $28 million of that is invested in defensemen, Engels suggests Tom Gilbert (who has a year left on his contract at $2.8 million) or Alexei Emelin (three years left, $4.1 million cap hit) as potential trade candidates. Forwards could include Tomas Plekanec (one year left, $5 million cap hit), David Desharnais (two years left, $3.5 million cap hit) or Lars Eller (three years left, $3.5 million).
Plekanec would be the most attractive, thought the Habs will miss his two-way play. Emelin has a full no-trade clause, which (combined with his salary) could make him tough to move. Eller might attract interest if there’s a GM out there who believes he’s being misused by the Canadiens and could blossom elsewhere.
Damien Cox reports the Detroit Red Wings weren’t willing to move their 2015 first-round pick and prospect forward Anthony Mantha earlier this season but are now willing to do so.
MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports Wings GM Ken Holland responded to Cox’s report, saying ” “I don’t think ‘willing’ is the right word.” Holland added, “I’m not going to tell you where Mantha fits in with that until we explore the trade market.”
For what it’s worth, last week on Norm Rumack’s SiriusXM show, I had the opportunity to speak with Red Wings senior VP Jimmy Devallano. I asked him about his recent critical comments (noted in the link to Cox’s report) regarding the young forward’s development. Devallano claimed his remarks were intended to motivate the youngster and shouldn’t be taken to mean Mantha has no future with the Wings.
lol strange way to motivate there Jimmy….sounds like a “ooops did I actually say that to the media in my outside voice?” Moment to me. I meant to motivate the kid by saying he is “very very very (3 verys) disapointing” and then have Holland say he considering moving him with in a couple months doesn’t really add up, well maybe it does kinda…. damage control.
Thinking about the Cam Talbot situation along with the Ranger cap woes.
Lundqvist has been arguably one of the top 3 goalies the last 5 seasons(Price/Quick).
The Blues are built to win now. How much better with the Blues be with Hank in net?
Talbot played great when he was not expected to carry the team-he could fold under the real pressure.
NYR4LIFE what are your thoughts on the goalie/cap situation?
would be hard to stomach sending any of Brassard/Hayes/Stepan with Henrik for say Backes+ more. NO love for Oshie unless Hagelin cannot be resigned
I’d think the return for Hank would be astronomical and likely it would be a multi player deal for both teams involved…..a blockbuster. Being a consistent top 3 goalie in the league would make the Rangers return huge for this type of move. While I don’t think Hank could be traded unless he wanted to be, a more likely scenario is Talbot and Klein or Talbot and Dylan MacCillrath and a 2nd or 3rd to Edmonton for the 16th pick and Yakopov. Edmonton is believed to be willing to move the pick for Talbot and the Rangers did have some interest on Yak.
Maybe consider moving Yandle, with a year left at 2.5 million(AZ pays the other half) he might be attractive back out West. I don’t think the Rangers will try to resign him after this season.
If I were Edmonton I’d simply give Vancouver their 1rst rounder from Pittsburgh for Lack.
Yet I personally really like Lack and think he can be a starter. If Talbot is veiwed as the favourite, let it be so. Let someone else over pay for a goalie with limited experience and take the much more known Eddie Lack and in my opinion the better of the two.
That would be a bad trade. He is not worth a first.
Your Ranger deal is terrile for Edmonton.
terrible lol
I’m not an Oiler fan, but I agree! No way Talbot, McIlrath and a 2nd/3rd lands Yak and a first.
I agree Talbot really isn’t proven sure he will be cheaper but they should be going for a starter like anderson
Chiarelli isn’t moving the 16th pick for Talbot in any scenario. Theses speculations are from pundits, bloggers, broadcasters, etc who are doing what were doing, hypothesizing.
This is the deepest draft potentially ever & that 16th pick is worth far more than Talbot, or Talbot & Klein in and of its self.
Stryker you are dreaming.
Anyone who thinks that the Rangers would trade Lundqvist has been consuming substances that would have been found at the Grateful Dead show that I used to go to. Hank will be a Ranger for the balance of his NHL career.
why is that the stoners are the only people that actually make sense and are realistic?
@DS,
If they were to send Lundqvist packing, I don’t see any reason they should include Stepan, Hayes or Brassard in the deal. Without question, Lundqvist takes a St. Louis, Anaheim, San Jose etc to the next level or even over the top. I’d be most interested in one of St.Louis d-men. Stattenkirk would be the #1 guy I’d target. Even if it meant he was the ONLY piece on the return.
Girardi/Mcdonagh
Staal/ Shattenkirk
Klein/ Yandle
Would be a nice option! Scratch Boyle till he’s gone if they can’t move him.
@Jeff,
How does Talbot have limited experience, and Lack not? Do those 19 more starts make him a seasoned vet? Talbot KILLS lack in every statistical category. Yet Lack is worth a 1st, and Talbot ….nothing because he wears a NYR’s jersey?
@CJ….No WAY do I trade Klein and Talbot for Yak being the principal coming back. I don’t think anyone in the Rangers organization or fans want to see Boyle playing top 4 minutes. McIlrath is a waste of time and space. A career AHL’er or 7th d-man on most teams in the NHL. That guy is worthless! Also, I think NY will try and re-sign Yandle next year. Boyle is off the books either way.
I see lack being better than Talbot as a starter would go I just see ny backups like la backup playing behind a good defensive team
Lack is 6 months older than Talbot. Both are essentially 27 years old. Talbot has 52 games of NHL experience, Lack 82. Their physical sizes & their respective experience is almost identical as well. Lack came out of Europe & played 3 years in the minors, Talbot came out of the NCAA & played 3 years in the minors. They are both UFA’s after next season & both carry nominal cap hits, 1.15 for Lack & 1.45 for Talbot. I would assume that their respective values would also be similar as their career numbers coming up through the ranks are also very similar.
The most significant difference is Vancouver has an extra goalie & NYR doesn’t. That said if the price is very good Sather would be remiss not to move Talbot as he will want to be a #1 & that’s not happening in NYR so Sather either moves him in the off season or at next seasons trade deadline as Talbot isn’t going to resign with NYR to be a back up. He will go to market next summer if not addressed before.
Talking about Lundqvist moving is a joke. Neither NYR or Lundvist are signing off on that option in the next 3 years. After that all bets are off.
Striker,
I don’t think Lundqvist being moved is as far fetched as you make it out to be. Lets not pretend NY didn’t flirt with the idea before re-signing him. There was no progress on a new contract….Then Talbot gave up 6 in a game (I believe to Dallas). The next morning Lundqvist had a new contract. Without question. NY at the very least had the thought of moving on without him.
Also, Lack has 72 starts over 2 years, not 82. Talbot has 53.
@KevJam
Not sure I’d consider Lack’s 4 playoff games as playoff experience. He was BRUTAL in the 4 overall. 1-3 with 3.03 gaa, and a .886 sp%. I’m not taking him over Talbot based on those 4 games.
NYR4lIFE.
Not according to NHL.com They have Lack at 82 games of regular season play & Talbot at 57 not 52; me bad, I didn’t have my reading glasses on & that 7 looked like a 2, for Talbot.
You’ll never convince me that NYR was considering moving 1 of the top 3 goalies in the league. The fact the deal was signed after 1 bad outing by Talbot means nothing. You think that a 7 year deal for the most money ever paid to a goalie & by a significant margin was negotiated in 1 day? That would have taken months to address.
Price 6.5, Rask 7, Quick 5.8 & Rinne 7. The other 4 goalies that currently make up the top 5 goalies in the NHL based on their consistency, longevity & abilities in the NHL.
You are reading total games played. Talbot has 57, with 53 starts. Lack has 82 with 72 starts.The only thing this tells me is Lack has played more in relief than Talbot. But Lundqvist doesn’t get pulled often.
I have NO question NY toyed with the idea last year of moving on from Lundqvist. You can think what you want, but look at Sathers history of playing hardball with players, and not being afraid to send them on their way over $$$’s. Dubinsky, Callahan, Stralman, Zuccarello, etc. It’s become his m.o with RFA’s and UFA’s.
As far as the 24 hour turn around on Lundqvist, both sides were saying no progress just days before the deal. It doesn’t take months to end negotiations.
NYR4LIFE.
I never said starts but NHL experience which you choose to question for some reason with starts.
For some reason? You don’t think Starts vs. Relief are a difference? Seriously? ……..If you don’t ….I’ll just end the argument RIGHT there!!!!!LOL. Starts vs. relief work???????? Really? You honestly do not see a difference?
I agree. I also like Lack better than Talbot. Both have similar stats, but I would prefer Lack on my team. I’m more confident what Lack is while Talbot feels more wild card. But I’ve seen Lack more, so I might be biased that way…
Not saying Lack is better the Talbot or Talbot is better the Lack, I actually see them as equal. Now the only thing I see that Lack has over Talbot is that Lack has playoff experience and did pretty good considering his lack of playoff experience (pun not intended).
@NYR4Life all I mean is I have watched Lack over a few years now. Where Talbot kinda came out of no wheres this year and all I have seen him play in the NHL was the games he played this year.
When evaluating Goalies I do not look at stats as the teams quality in front of them often depicts the goalie stats. I instead watch the goaltender play. I watch to see his rebound control, his ability to move side to side. Whether or not he reacts before the shot or after the shot. Does he read the play and is he able to anticipate it.
So I having multiple years of seeing Lack play I really like the guy. I am by no means saying Talbot is not better than Lack. I am simply saying Lack is a more known quantity and in my opinion is why I view him better. It is why I like Jones as well. It is why I don’t like Lehner and think Lehner is not ready to be a starter yet. He goes down to fast and does not read the plays well at times. He also despite being tall holds his glove hand a little two low and as a result of that and him dropping to his knees before the shot enables the opposition to deposit the puck over his glove hand shoulder.
Lack does have issues with rebounds but I don’t view them as a huge problem and something a good goalie coach and help him work out.
Anderson makes the first save and battles like heck for the 2nd save. He is a bonified starter and is likely the best bet. I don’t think the Sens should let him go but would be the perferred choice for Edmonton yet I’d think he’d be the most expensive. However he does have cycles of 1 good year and 1 bad year and last year should of been his bad year. It was until he came back for the playoffs. I expect Anderson to have a good year. I don’t know why it is but that’s his pattern. He also is good for one freak injury a season.
Hammond who has less experience than Talbot was amazing. But like Talbot I would not bet on that little viewing. He reacted to the play, he moved laterally great and anticipated the play. Will Hammond continue to be able to do that. I have no idea. Will Talbot continue his stellar play God if I know?
In the end I feel more confident in knowing what lack brings than gambling on what I think Talbot would bring. That is all.
i always admire a good view on goalies
you hit it on the nail with team/coach/system in front of the goalie (ex. ny def vs van def) impacts the play / judgement of them; moreso, than any other position.
Also good assessment of goalies around the league…
Furthermore; NYR w/o lundqvist (unless talbot is superman) = rebuild
I do not think Hank gets moved but it would help the cap situation. Backes would make a major impact in the East which would give a crowd at center. Backes+Shattenkirk+ for Hank and Staal… will not happen but makes the Rangers tougher to play against IF Talbot was not a fluke
Backes? No! Stop right there!!! Hank and Staal for Backes and Shattenkirk? No thanks…..and I love Shattenkirk! How does this make NY better? Simple answer……it does not!
stall looked horrible in the playoffs that contract is gonna turn out bad for the rangers
Stepan and Brassard do not wear down the other team’s top centers or win more than 50% of their face-offs.
Dom Moore is getting older and not a big man.
This has been a weakness on the team much like a QB for the power play which I believe they finally have
I’m really surprised if Canadiens can shed themselves of Desharnais and Eller. I don’t see any takers for those contracts. Maybe as rentals in their last year of contract, not before then.
eller wouldn’t have a problem moving! deharnais might be tougher
Who the heck would want Eller at $3.5M, 3 year contract? I don’t think there would be any takers. Lower end 3rd, or capable 4th C at $3.5M?
he is a good 3rd liner responsible on defense and therein hast used him right there would be a lot of takers for eller! I would take him on the leafs no problem
Well, I’m not that infatuated with Eller. I would never call him good 3rd C. Questionable value at $3.5M to say the least. He was underpaid at $1.3M on his last contract, now overpaid at $3.5M. If he came at $2M, sure. I really doubt many GMs share your appreciation for Eller. Canadiens are stuck with him, for better or worse.
I agree, though I’m a Habs fan so might overvalue him.
But I think Eller is already a good 3rd liner with the possibility of being a very good 3rd liner who can fill in on the 2nd line when injuries hit. That’d be worth $3.5M to many teams.
As a Habs fan, I hope he stays, but I think he’d have a fair bit of trade value if he went.
bobby mac said at the trade deadline there was interest in eller so if you talk to more gms than he does good on you
I agree paddy…my last comment was for denne
“Friedman originally believed the Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers might attempt to acquire Toronto’s Phil Kessel but now thinks cap reasons and the need to re-sign key players takes them out of the running.”
Friedman simply woke up to reality. Phil Kessel = even at $8 mil per cap hit – would be gone in a flash if he had 3 years to go on a deal. But that 7-year nightmare is something else. Having said that, I am hoping against hope that he’s dealt within minutes of the trade season opening following the finals.
Thinking of Minnesota, depending on what else they would be willing to give up, I could see a swap centering around Vanek and Phil not being out of the question.
honest questions, didn’t vanek also sign a ridiculously long deal for around 7mil a season? i dont see what the leafs gain by taking that much of a toxic contract back, better off keeping kessel, who in my opinion is the much better player.
I fully expect the leafs to take on a toxic contract, i just think it to only have a couple years left on the deal. Something like the clarkson Situation of “well we are already paying these guys for a couple more years, why not replace them with a good player”
just my thoughts anyways.
Clarky. yes Vanek did. But it expires 17-18.Kessel is 2022.
Vaneks deal is 2 more years at around 6.5 mill. So basically the difference on Phil would be 1.5 for 2 years allowing the cap to inflate and 5 years left at the orignal rate but a substantial smaller percentage of the Wilds total cap, say around 10 % similar to the proportion Vaneks deal takes up now..if you look at Phils playoff record compared to Vaneks, it could work out for both, again depending on the return (Pick and prospect) in the deal.
Yep Vanek has a nmc, but wouldnt be the first time he had to waive one either….no saying that is the deal that gets done but, almost (not everyone but almost) everyone of those teams on that list have a bigger contract or 2 that could or may want to be used to ballance out a deal in a similar manner.
if vanek moves which I highly doubt he is not gonna accept to Toronto he want to win now
Vanek has 2 years left at a cap hit of 6.5. Toronto isn’t moving Kessel for a veteran like Vanek. Kessel is moved primarily for futures. Young plays & picks. They could potentially take a significant contract back but only to facilitate the other team making room for Kessle’s contract but that players value in the trade is purely money not his ability to contribute on the ice.
Now Vanek, Spurgeon & a 1st. Something like that might fly.
Its like deaja vu all over again isn’t it ?
not sure but I would think vanek has some sort of ntc and no way he is accepting to Toronto! lol he lives in Minnesota wife is from Minnesota good chance to win a cup in Minnesota! move on lol
Kessel for Vanek as things sit with the cap and its uncertainty for the next couple years is likely a viable deal.
You have to think that is a difference of over $40 million dollars. Over half a season of wages for the team.
That said it will take a while for the Leaf brass to find that out.
The best case scenario for the Leafs, the fans and ultimately Phil Kessel himself is to find the best center you can find.
Trade for him (him being the center), kidnap him, buy his mother and extort him to playing for the Leafs so as to create the best scenario for Phil to succeed. Get Phil that 100 pt season then trade Kessel. Don’t hang onto him because he had 100 pts …TRADE HIM!!!!
If Malkin is truly to be had the Leafs brass should be over in Russia spit shining his mothers car, his fathers car, the lady that could be his aunts car … anything to get him to agree to a trade there.
That is the only way the Leafs get the perceived value for Phil.
Phil should consider adding non-traditional hockey markets to his preferred trade list. There’s alot less hockey heat in Nashville and Miami, reporters won’t be all over him 24/7 as they are in Tronna.
I am preparing myself for “Mr. Overpay” Tim Murray to overpay for Eddie Lack.
If Kessel is controlling his fate, why would be want to go to Miami and not make the playoffs again? Hasn’t he done enough losing in Toronto? Miami is not making the playoffs anytime soon.
Ummmm really? Florida will make the playoffs this year and will be a legit cup contender in a few short years. They have drafted some beauties over recent years in critical positions such as center and d, not too mention they have a nice blend of veteran leadership with cup experience to guide them along the way.
The days of the Panthers being a joke are over.
I agree, Florida missed the playoffs by what a couple points this year? Add a guy like Kessel there and say 80 points production and all of a sudden those 10 losses they had by a goal get erased and they’re sitting mid pack in the east.
aye aye
i think this is the year I add then to my (already) favourite teams
#1 Leafs (doh)
#2 Blackhawks
#3 Panthers
I think you under estimate Florida. They may not make the playoffs next season but they will certainly compete for a spot. They did last season only missing the playoffs by 7 points & they are getting better quickly as the young players adapt.
Florida will be even better next season. The advancement of all the young players, Barkov, Bjugstad, Huberdeau, Pirri, Hayes, Trocheck, Gubranson, Ekblad & Kuilkov will see them improve significantly. All are just scratching the surface of their potential. Couple that with the removal of all the dead weight, Fleischmann; 3rd rounder 2015 Anh, Bergenheim; 3rd rounder in 2016 Min, & allowing Kopecky & Upshall to leave as UFA’s is opening up better opportunities for many of these young players.
Huberdeau, Barkov, Jagr.
Pirri, Bjugstad, Hayes.
Jokinen, Bolland, Boyes.
Trocheck, Mackenzie, Thornton.
Campbell, Gubranson.
Ekblad, Kulikov.
Mitchell, Olsen/UFA/promotion.
Luongo, Montoya.
This is a good young up & coming team & the prospect cupboard isn’t bare. They have Brickley, Grimaldi, Matheson, McCoshen & Howden coming.
I see Florida making at least 1 significant trade this summer for either Kessel or Sharp at forward. They have 18 players signed for 60.08 million, Huberdeau & Hayes are RFA’s yet neither is breaking the bank yet & both will be bridged. I also see Florida dipping into the UFA market for a Dman.
Florida can easily take on Kessel’s contract & this is a great fit, they have the young players & picks to make it happen. Jagr, Campbell, Boyes & Mitchell all come off the books after next season.
Next to NYI’s, Florida is the best fit for Kessel & if Florida secures Kessel I believe they can make the playoffs. His contribution in goals for should be enough to bump Ottawa out of a playoff spot. The wild card here being Boston & Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh just barely made the playoffs & if they plan to go with youth on D they may find themselves on the outside looking in & Boston & Florida make the playoffs ahead of them & Ottawa.
Thoughts from the bench.
Just wondering why you think Ottawa might falter? They have depth at goaltending – one of which will be dealt – a young and very large D with the unexpected emergence of Wiercioch to go along with Karlasson, Methot, Ceci, Borowiecki, Gryba and Cowen and, with Phillips returning as a swing man for his last season, trade bait from among that D corps. Up front they were the only team with 5 20-goal+ scorers (not counting Ryan who had 18 in a “down” season and MacArthur who had 16 in 62 gp), including one of this year’s Calder Cup finalists (Stone) and one (Hoffman) who scored his 27 all at even strength.
It really has to do less with Ottawa than the other teams potentially getting better or being the teams their supposed to be. I certainly wouldn’t bet money on Ottawa not making it but I’m still shocked that Boston missed & I don’t see that happening again. Ottawa’s division has gotten stronger & only 8 of 14 teams make it to the dance in the East.
Looking at the rosters of all 30 teams; the 16 in the east & 14 in the west you have to make choices. I’m a Boston fan but like to think I can take off my rose colored glasses. I certainly do in the fantasy leagues I run & participate in. I don’t currently have a single Bruin on any of my teams oddly enough. I did have Seguin but moved him in that pool for Zetterberg & other assets 3 years ago as he had LW intelligibility, still does actually & it’s the hardest position to fill in our pool by a mile so a huge premium is paid to get a good 1.
Ottawa is young, they seem to lack a legitimate #1 C & I have concerns about how the goalie situation is going to shake out in Ottawa. 1 of Hoffman & or Stone most likely has the sophomore slump. I think Hoffman. If Ottawa gets a top 6 forward as is being reported how does Hoffman get on a scoring line. When everyone is healthy he can’t now. MacArthur going down opened a spot for Hoffman & Hoffman had to bump Chaisson out of the top 6 as well, which he did easily. All things being equal the top 6 currently are MacArthur, Turris, Stone.
Michalek, Zibanejad, Ryan. Hoffman pushed Michalek back to the 3rd line at times but Michalek still got better power play time & when Hoffman did get PP time it was as a point man.
At least 2 very good teams are going to miss the playoffs on both sides. Last season I preached Vancouver was going to make it. My friends asked at who’s expense. I said Dallas or Colorado. Both have serious issue’s at defense & both goalies have injury issues that seem to come & go. More go than come & when coupled with those D’s don’t instill confidence.
Andersson is a superb goalie, potentially a star, top 10 but health is a concern. He can’t seem to stay healthy. He only has 2 seasons with more than 55 starts & I’m not sold on the Hamburgler if Lehner gets moved, nor Lehner if the Hamburglar gets moved & has to step in for long stretches to play when Anderson is hurt.
Regardless the final spots in both conferences will be decided by a few mere points & currently based on where we stand today I have Ottawa just missing. Now trades, injuries, etc before the start of the season could change my opinion but that’s it today.
@striker
Good evaluation of Ottawa if you ask me. Which is a rare thing from the posters on this site.
I think that there are many question marks on all goaltenders Ottawa has right now. Personally I’d rather they move Anderson and suffer with some growing pains and look to have a young starter who has the potential to be a top 5 starter in the league than look short term and an aging Anderson that could go on injured/time off during the season. I’m not counting on Hammond being able to come close to what he has shown.
There’s a strong case to be made for Hoffman having a sophomore. But you should take into consideration that Ottawa will likely have three scoring lines next year. Which will likely change the dynamic. Hoffman will get PP time and could be a 20-25 G guy from the third line with PP. time. All and all there’s a lot of “IF’s”
Be careful with Boston also. There’s going to be a few moves made and you might lose a few of your top end players. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bruins were faced with the fact that they might need a 1-2 years to overhaul. I don’t see many top notch offensive prospects vying for top 6 spots so in order to get right under the cap and not lose everyone that is soon to be a UFA they might have to get creative. Trading a guy or two for good prospects and picks. It could easily be a couple years of missing the playoffs. Chara is getting older, the D is in transition…l if they play their cards right they could be right back in the top 6 in the east soon enough.
not a bruins fan but saw a fair bit of spooner and Pasternak they looked pretty good!! bruins fans might be able to say more about them
ottawa is a joke that defense is just not that great by the way was hammond good or the team good good question
CJ – I agree with other that Florida isn’t that far off.
My point was more directed towards Phil considering a non-hockey markey. The spotlight is so much brighter in transitional markets like Boston and Tronna. Maybe Phil will do better in the dark.
that’s just my thoughts, I may be wrong.
My response wasn’t directed to you but CJ. I think Kessel would accept a trade to a non traditional market. As someone reported yesterday they list being banded about was submitted last season & a new 1 needs to be submitted for next season on June 30th.
Kessel would be crazy to reject Florida or NYI if they bid. He could just slide into the back ground in either of those markets & Florida has enough veteran leadership to make Kessel toe the line. Bolland, Jagr, Mitchell, Campbell & Luongo.
Factor in the lowest tax’s in North America & it’s like getting a 25% raise to play for 1 of the best young up & coming teams in the NHL that is a playoff contender.
Picture Phil in FLA with some of their young guys? You wonder if Tallon is dialing Shanny’s number as we communicate?
Nashville needs some top 6 forwards if they are going to move forward. I see him possibly in Music City.
I agree with Canadian King here. If you think Florida is that putrid, you must not be watching any Florida games. They are not far away from contending.
Hey 4th Hanson Brother, what do you think is the value for Lack? I ask as I prefer lack over the other young tenders available and as such will probably offer more than most for Lack but an over payment is likely related to the overall consensus of value but is it really overpayment if you value the product more than others.
For Lack – Sabres’ second, 2nd round pick not their 2nd rounder. I still think they should resign Neuvirth – he’s “free” and really did not play too badly last season on a bad team. Sabres should maybe give one of their young tenders a shot at the backup role – at least a shot at the role.
Buffalo will be better this season, but not that much better.
I would suggest Lack could fetch a low 1st (25-30) or high 2nd rounder (30-35). I believe Talbot is in the same ball park. Probably Lehner as well. Then the numbers of bidders would decide if the return would exceed those expectations. A prospect could be added as well. (Murray supposedly wants a high draft pick PLUS a prospect for Lehner.)
I think Lehner would be slightly more valuable than Lack or Talbot simply due to age, size & pedigree. 2nd round pick, 46th overall in 2009.
It’s the golden boy principle. Higher drafted players get a better opportunity to play & as they have greater development costs the cost to acquire them is higher.
Striker,
I disagree again. Where you were drafted has little to do where you’re going. Lundqvist drafted in the 7th round. Rinne, 8th round. Quick, 3rd round. Crawford 2nd round. Almost any other position, I’d almost agree. Goaltenders….not so much. Nobody will pay more for Lehner because he was a 2nd round pick imo.
Ottawa won’t give up on Lehner for less than they paid to get him at this point. He’s just scratching the surface of his potential.
Sure once a player has fully established himself in the NHL, 200 games for forards, 400 for Dman & around 150 for goalies, where he was drafted will cease to be a factor in his value be him a goalie, defensemen or forward but not when addressing prospects which is essentially what Lehner is. He has 86 games of NHL experience, is 4 years younger than Talbot or Lack & carries a better pedigree. My argument is today this makes him more valuable than either Lack or Talbot. At least certainly from Ottawa’s perspective.
I am with AJ, I don’t see Lack in Buffalo, I still think they will go after Neuvirth for their short terms needs and continue to work with their prospects.
I suppose it’s all in how you look at it. Lehner, Anderson, or Hammond…. one has to go. NY doesn’t have that luxury. Before Skapski went down with an injury, I thought NY wouldn’t trade Talbot unless the price was too good to pass up. But now…..Talbot has more value in NY than he does as trade bait imo. Unless the price is disgustingly high. Trading Talbot opens a hole for NY. Trading his 1.45 deal to have to turn around and have to sign a Neuvirth or comparable to more money than Talbot makes no sense at all for a team looking to shed $$$’s.
I think Talbot stays put until the deadline. I don’t think NY will roll the dice with one of their 18-19 yo goalie prospects. At least at the deadline, Skapski should be healthy. Although I don’t think he is exactly NHL ready if Lundqvist were to go down again long term.
NYR4LIFE.
I agree. Talbot stays until the trade deadline unless the offer is simply to good to refuse. If that offer comes NYR signs the cheapest back up that can play for the league minimum, which should be in or around 600K. Other wise move Talbot at next seasons deadline for the best deal available so as not to lose him for nothing.
I read an article that stated Lehner has the same stats as Price when Price was Lehner’s age. Never verified it but if that is true. It can be very erroneous to give up on a young tender.
@striker
Again I agree. I think Lehner holds the greatest potential and value out of all those. Pedigree is crazy on him. There’s a big reason why they passed on Bishop as opposed to him.
I think it’s ridiculous that Ottawa is now entertaining the idea of trading him as I think if placed in a starter role now he’d have a year or 2 or so to adjust to the starter role. Very much like Price. Ottawa is thinking still too much in the now.
IMO Anderson is the guy that should be moved but even if they opt to keep him they will not move Lehner for peanuts. Anyone thinks Lehner will be traded for a 2nd is kidding themselves. They will hold on to him if they have to. I know they’d rather get a deal done but they will go into the season with 3 if they have to.
I just wish someone offers up a good deal for Anderson that the sens cannot pass up.
Broken hip.
I agree. I would look to move Anderson 1st as well as long as the return is solid.
I would look to a team like St.Louis. Elliott & Oshie for Anderson & Cowen? Some sort of deal where you get a top 6 winger & a safety net for Lehner. I would go with Lehner & that goalie. I would look to move Hammond to a team in need of a back up. If that5 meant carrying 3 goalies until an injury opens that option so be it but Lehner would be my long term solution not Anderson.
@Jeff Noel……dude…..you’re dreaming! Really….Reaching, dreaming, ….What would Lehners stats have ANYTHING to do with price’s stats? STOP!!!!!! YOU stop this silliness RIGHT now!!!!!STOP!!!!!!
lol NYR all he is saying is price got better and so could lehner!! on a side note nice to see your drunk on a Monday night!! cheers
I am curious if NYR4Life has reading comprehension issues or simply just likes to argue for arguments sake.
If you go through Mackenzie’s draft list every draftee has a comparable player. Does that mean anything?
Even if I was comparing Lehner to Price WHICH I WAS NOT! It wasn’t so unreasonable if at the same age they had the same stat.
But then he sees a comparison between two players he can’t fathom and is unable to read the next sentence stating why I said that.
If Montreal traded away Price when Halak had that stellar playoff year do you think they’d regret it now. I was in Quebec at the time and was listening to all their fans debating the issue and many of them thought they should trade Price at that time.
good trades that work, or 0% on all 3?
Wings trade Mantha and their 19th overall pick to Arizona for the 3rd overall pick and take Hanifan.
Wings trade Mantha Pulkinen Weiss Brendan Smith and their 1st for Malkin
Wings trade Weiss Smith and their 1st for Phaneuf.
I’m not too versed on Wings prospects, but my thoughts are the Malkin deal wouldn’t work for the following reasons:
1. There are no players in there that can help the Pens right away, and they’re still in win-now mode
2. Malkin is still a superstar. They Pens wouldn’t need to take back a toxic contract like Weiss’, even to make the $$ work. They’d for sure want that salary compensated for by Nyquist, Tatar or similar.
3. With hockey being a business, Malkin’s jersey sales alone are a huge value to teams. The Pens would lose lots of $$ in jersey sales, so they’d want a “name” player back as part of the package, or they’d want to win the deal on skill. (i.e. we got the better talent, you got the superstar and the money he brings in)
Just my 2 cents!
(also, I think the Leafs deal looks pretty fair. I’d think the Leafs might need to throw in a pick – 3rd-rounder? – but otherwise I’d think not bad at all!)
I only think 1 of those 3 options has the potential to fly.
Weiss, Smith & a 1st from Detroit for Phaneuf. Although I think that Holland would prefer to move a prospect as opposed to his 1st. I think it’s very possible a deal for Phaneuf will happen if Detroit can’t secure Sekera, Franson or Green for the money their willing to spend as UFA’s. I think Pulkikinen or Jurco will be the player moved. Pulkkinen will need to clear waivers next season & no way that happens so Detroit either makes room for him on their 23 man roster or he gets picked up off waivers by another team. I also see Detroit as a fit with Vancouver for Bieksa & he could probably be had for Smith & Pulkkinen or Jurco. Vancouver might have to add a nominal pick like a 4th rounder.
Arizona isn’t giving up the 3rd overall pick & moving back 16 spots even with Mantha as a sweetener. The cost would be significantly higher than that to move down that far.
Pittsburgh isn’t giving up Malkin for anything like that. Mantha & Pulkkinen are wildcards; virtually no big league experience & at 23 Pulkinnen is becoming a suspect but this is how Detroit develops it’s young players so who really knows what he will be in the NHL, as prospects. Smith hasn’t shown himself to be anything more than a #6 Dman although young by NHL experience, games played but 26 years old & no way Pittsburgh is taking on a toxic contract in Weiss. No point discussing a trade for Malkin. He isn’t going any where any time soon, maybe in 3 or 4 years Pittsburgh might consider it.
Wouldn’t Toronto love to move Kessel to Nashville for Seth Jones. I don’t think its Phil salary that scares people but the length of his contract.
I think here are 29 GMs in the league t hat would move their left testical for Seth Jones. Kessel’s contract isn’t the reason That trade won’t happen. Jones is likely untouchable.
Jeff, totally agree!
Nashville wont be taking on 8million dollar contract they have young guys they need to sign in the next couple years and they are a budget team
Nashville is no longer a budget team. They spent 61.646 last season; cap was essentially 69 & Poile is 1 of the best in the business at managing the cap.
They sold out almost every home date this season, their corporate box’s are sold out & sponsorship money has been rolling in for the last 3 years.
Nashville won’t have to spend to the cap as their payroll is pretty much set. Fisher will be resigned for about 3 years at 4 to 4.5 million. If Riberio wants to return he will have to accept no more than 5 million probably for 2 years possibly 3.
Smith & Wilson are both due raises now but again neither is breaking the bank & their deals will be at least 3 years in or around 5 million, if term goes up money will increase as well.
Yes both Forsberg & Jones are due contracts next season but both will be coming off their ELC’s. Jones won’t be paid more than Josi on his next deal & Forsberg hit the wall last season scoring wise in the 2nd half of the season so they get another year to see if he’s for real but again these players will be bridged.
If Nashville was so inclined they could take on Kessel’s contract but this is a terrible fit. He would throw their salary structure completely out of line & make negotiating fair market value contracts for Forsberg, Jones & others far more difficult for them & their agents to accept.
Poile like Yzerman in TB has his contracts structured beautifully. As these young studs are coming up for renewal, veterans are coming off the books.
they are still a budget team and jones will be getting big money he is a young stud dman!
Bigbear.
How are they a Budget team?
Yes everyone agrees Jones is a stud but he isn’t getting huge money on his 2nd contract coming off his ELC. He will be bridged. Baring a trade & there are rumors Ellis could be moved, Jones is the #3/4 Dman in Nashville currently behind Weber, Josi & Ellis, flip a coin as to who’s the #3/4, his playing partner. This is a good example of players being forced to play as #3/4 Dman but really aren’t. Their #2 Damn playing on the 2nd pairing as you can’t bump anyone off the #1 pairing baring injury.
There are rumors of a trade between Nashville & Edmonton that includes Ellis & not with Yakupov coming back from Edmonton but other assets. No real names have been bandied about but I assume it’s Draisaitl. There is a ton of merrit to a trade between these 2 teams & these assets if a fit can be found. Other assets would have to be included to balance it out as Draisaitl is still several years away from making a significant contribution & Ellis is about 1 more year away from breaking through offensively in a big way. Even though he’s only 24 5’10” & 175 lbs he’s already a strong defensive player & just scratching the surface of his potential.
Bear you are so right…people throw out all these trade proposals without ever thinking of the cap or what future signings a team has coming up. The NHL is now a cap driven league and GM’s have to start being a little smarter in the money they throw around.
Vancouver needs some cap room and Buffalo has plenty of space that’s why I proposed a trade of Hamhuis and Lack for the 31st pick and Grigorenko. Vancouver opens up Hamhuis’s cap hit and gets a decent draft pick towards it’s rebuild…Buffalo gets a needed D-man and goalie.
Vancouver isn’t undertaking a full rebuild. They are getting younger on the fly. They don’t wish to go full blown bad as it would significantly impact their revenue stream & they were 1 of the 10 most profitable teams in NHL before the fall of the dollar & may still be regardless. They didn’t add Miller & Vrbata to suck. They are making every effort to make the playoffs now & moving forward. Are they a cup contender? Certainly not but their still in the playoff mix & once there anything can happen, especially if your goalie goes on a hot streak at just the right time.
Vancouver have added, Vey & Baertschi; will be a regular next season, both for 2nd rounders. Vey was acquired from LA with TB’s 2nd from when they moved Garrison. Horvat & Kennin’s were brought in last season. Kennin’s & Baertschi aren’t full time regulars just yet but Matthias & Richardson won’t be back & that opens up more ice time for younger players moving forward.
Baring a trade Vancouver’s forward lines are virtually set.
Sedin, Sedin, Vrbata.
Burrows, Bonino, Kassian.
Higgins, Horvat, Hansen.
Kenin’s, Vey, Dorsett.
Spare Baertschi.
You can move Vrbata to Bonino’s line as a RW bumping Burrows to RW on the 1st line. In that scenario Baertschi draws in at #2 LW & Kassian falls to the 3rd line although I see Kassian being traded this season. Possibly even this summer.
Baertschi has to clear wavers next season so he stays up. Vancouver didn’t pay a 2nd round pick to lose him on waivers for nothing.
Your not getting Hamhuis for a high 2nd & a suspect prospect; Grigorenko, who’s apparently going to bolt to the KHL for more money as no NHL team is going to give him a 1 way contract & he will only make a about a million should he play in the NHL.
Hamhuis is the Canucks #2 Dman & only 32 years old. He hand picked Vancouver & took a discount to come here. He may only have a year left to UFA status but Benning will cross that bridge as we approach the trade deadline if Hamhuis isn’t signed sooner.
Bieksa could be had but not even he is being moved for Grigorenko & the 31st pick. Although something has to give to meet the cap in Vancouver.
Seth Jones is most likely untouchable in trade talks. Maybe a team can pick up Roman Josi though. He’s a great player and would cost a lot. Oilers would be wise to try to move the 16th pick along with Draistl (and i’m a big fan) and a 3rd for Josi and someone like Colin Wilson/Craig Smith.
And for the Oilers SG spot. In order i would like (and i understand a few of these guys might not be moved): John Gibson, Craig Anderson, Jonathon Bernier, Cam Talbot, Eddie Lack, Karri Ramo, Michael Neuvirth, Brian Elliott, Martin Jones, Michael Hutchinson.
16th pick/Leon Draistl/3rd round pick to Nashville
for
Roman Josi/Colin Wilson
thoughts??
if the Oilers keep their first round pick i still think they should try extremely hard to package something with the 16th to move up and grab Provorov or even Werenski.
In your dreams. Josi isn’t being moved. Poile waved his magic wand & got Josi to take 7 years at an average cap hit of 5 million per season. Josi was 1 of the best Dman in the NHL last season, 4th overall in scoring & +15. His name was being mentioned as a Norris candidate & he still hasn’t fully developed. He has 253 games of NHL experience. The break through point for Dman is 400 games.
Draisaitl & the 16th pick isn’t getting Josi. He’s virtually untouchable. A true stud Dman in the making.
Correction, 5th highest scoring Damn in the NHL.
thats why i’d like him in Edmonton haha
With Jossi’s contract I am not sure he wouldnt be the most untouchable D man in Nashville, at least the one with the highest asking price as a starting point.
Nashville is right on the cusp of being a cup contender. They have 13 players currently signed at 42.222 million. 5 forwards, 6 Damn & 2 goalies.
Their top 2 C’s are both UFA’s Fisher & Riberio but by all reports both want to return. Fisher will for sure & at a discount as his wife hubs out of Nashville & that’s where they want to be. He’ll get a decent contract for 2 or 3 years at 4 to 4.5 million. Riberio only gets resigned if he comes in under 5 million. Other wise Smith or Wilson move to center or they promote from with in, Scissons or Watson. I think Riberio will be resigned.
They have 5 RFA’s Smith, Wilson, Beck, Bourque & Jarnkrok. Smith, Wilson & Jarnkrok will be resigned. Smith & Wilson will get substantial raises & both can play C if needed. They are currently playing RW & LW respectively. Jarnkrok will need to accept his qualifying offer.
Rumors are that neither Bourque nor Beck & possibly Janrkrok will be qualified. We’ll see if they are, if they are qualified they get nominal raises, 10% on last seasons actual salary, not cap hit, which for Bourque puts him at close to a million, Beck just over 600K & Jarnkrok about 800K.
Nashville has a ton of prospects coming that need to be worked in, some now, so letting Bourque & Beck go makes some sense. Fiala, Arvidsson, Scissons, Watson, Aberg, Solomaki, Vesey, Saros, Kamalev & Dougherty. Vasey & Fiala are ready to play now but could use some time in the minors out of the gate to allow Nashville to clear room on their 23 man roster for them & expose them to the pro game before moving to the NHL but Scissons & Watson are ready now. Both are C’s but will need to move to the wings to play in the NHL initially if they both stay in Nashville.
I see Nashville making a fairly significant trade moving out some of these young assets & picks. It could be Kessel but his contract throws Nashville’s cap structure out of whack moving forward. I think Sharp is a better fit; only 2 more years at 5.9, but we’ll know soon enough. Regardless Nashville has the money to spend if their so inclined to absorb Kessel now & moving forward & getting Kessel would give Nashville 3 solid scoring lines with 1 of the top 5 goalies in the game & what may well be the best defense in hockey, certainly the best young defense if not the best. Weber, Josi; 24, Ellis; 23, Jones; 19, Elkholm; 24, & Bartley; 26. Other than Weber who is 29 these are just kids & they have more coming in Arnoson, Bietto, Dougherty, Diaby, Noonan & potentially Vainonen. Nashville is a breeding ground for Damn. Their ability to find & develop Dman is staggering.
You can quote me on this – I think Roman Josi may be THE most underrated defenseman in the entire league. Neither he or Wilson are going anywhere. Colin Wilson has turned the corner in Nashville, he’s a core player there now.
Agreed. Wilson is by far one of the most under rated players out there along with Josi although I think the world is waking up to Josi.
Nashville is a good team, very close to taking it to the next level. Kessel isnt a fit any more.
Montreal is thin on LD so I think they might want to keep Emelin even if they think he is a bit overpaid. Judging by ice time in the playoffs and his play with Petry, Emelin seems like a candidate to stay. The right side is crowded so Gilbert might be the most logical candidate.
With regard to the forwards, Desharnais looks like the easiest to replace from within the organization. That enters into the equation even if the return for Plekanec or Eller might be better.
However, never underestimate Bergevin’s ability to surprise everyone with regard to player acquisitions and salary dumps.
I see emelin being moved to a team like edm or Colorado but your right bergevin keeps everything on the down low and could see him packaging fucale,tinordi and a emelin,parenteau type contract for a top 6 forward
I don’t really think the Sabres are looking at Lack to fill the goaltending needs. He’s a decent goalie and excellent depth, but I don’t feel he is anything more. If they were to move the 31st, they likely could get a more accomplished netminder that should meet thier needs. Perhaps the 31st is the starting point for someone like Lehner in Ottawa, Ward in Carolina, Talbot in NY or even take a chance on Kari Lehtonen reviving himself and buying low.
Either that or stand pat, draft well, sign someone at FA with the expectation this is a development year anyway and look at filling the ideal candidate in the next 3 years under the right circumstances and paying what you want to pay.
Ward? Really! Have you been drinking. Ha-ha!
This is a goalie who has shown he is capable in the past and clearly is in a situation where he needs to move on. Maybe a rebuilding team isn’t the ideal place to do that, but it also means you can potentially get him on the cheap and he should fill the gap for the time being until you get your #1 guy of the future.
i was wondering if anybody on here can tell me,maybe lyle would know,i heard grigorenko was going to sign with a khl team or had already signed with a khl team
TSN’s Bob McKenzie recently reported the Sabres are waiting for confirmation on a rumor claiming Grigorenko might sign with a KHL team. Nothing new yet.
Could it be a ploy by his agent to get him a one-way contract instead of the two-way deal the Sabres are offering?
it could be to be signed to a one way deal but more likely it is to be traded somewhere he can actually bring his skills to the arena.
Grigo has kind of been screwed by the rotating management and coach carousel in Buffalo. He just want to play hockey without 25 different agendas. He was Oilerized.
You could be right and I’m not sure of the rules but I think even if he signs a two-way he would have to clear waivers if sent to the Roch and would surely be claimed. Anyone know how that works?
Yes it could easily be a ploy.
Waiver status depends on your age at the time you signed your 1st NHL contract & or # of games played. It’s very convoluted & difficult to explain. The 1st season you play at least 11 games in the NHL in 1 season is deemed to be year 1. Games played under emergency recall don’t count unless your recall exceeds 10 games. Grigorenko signed as an 18 year old so 5 years & or 160 games in the NHL to acquire waiver eligibility. However if you play over 11 games then the 5 years drops to 3. Grigorenko did play 25 games in his rookie year, so he has hit the 3 year threshold but I have heard nothing stating he has waiver eligibility next season, although the formula says he should.
Thanks Striker, I’m almost certain I heard on one of Buffalo’s morning radio sports shows to be sent to the Roch he would need to clear waivers
I believe he is as well doing the math & reading the clause in the CBA.
Grigo won’t be a Sabre much longer. Tim has no ties to him, certain he will either KHL or be traded.
Buffalo situation hasn’t helped him at all, but he also hasn’t done much to help himself. He needs a change of scenery.
That’s why I included him in a trade with Vancouver
Off-season Game plan for the Calgary Flames.
Calgary had an amazing run last year despite their horrid possession numbers but to rely on that type of luck year in year out would be ridiculous. The playoff series versus the Ducks highlighted some weaknesses.
1. The Flames need more size up front ideally on the right side.
2. Russell is a small defenseman to be slotted in as a 5/6 spot. Ideal for killing penalties and giving his all. Thus Calgary needs a 3/4 Defensman to go with Wideman.
3. Calgary ranked middle of the pack in regards to Goaltending during the regular season but Hiller’s weak glove hand leaves Calgary vulnerable.
RW Canidates in order of meeting the needs of the team:
1.) Loui Eriksson – Boston’s Cap issues make Loui a possibility.
2.) TJ Oshie – Proven RW that is only 28 years old but does not have the commanding size that would be desired.
3.) Chris Stewart – Big RW forward with the complete skill-set needed but drive, sacrifice and/or work ethic could be an issue though by all metrics a change of scenery from Buffalo maybe all that was needed.
4.) Zack Kassian – All the same skills Stewart has but has yet to realize any of his potential.
5.) Beau Bennett – An offer sheet in the the 3.4 Million range would likely put the cash strapped Penguins in the place of letting Beau go. For a second round pick I would say it would be a good gamble.
6.) Brett Connolly – A bit more of a gamble than Beau but same idea with offer sheets seeming likely for Hamilton an offer sheet for Connolly for 3 million would likely force Boston to part with Connolly.
Big responsible Defenseman:
Barret Jackman -When one of the best Defensive D-men is out there on the UFA time to snap him up. 9 in Fenwick. If that does not work out then less than a point later there is Sekera and Paul Martin.
Lastly time to go get a goaltender.
Choice A – Jonathan Bernier – Trade Ortio and Bouma.
Choice B – Eddie Lack or Ryan Miller – Inter Division is not as big a deal as it once was. Lack will require giving up a couple AHL prosects and Miller could likely be had for 1 for taking on his salary. Miller would give Calgary time to groom Ortio and/or Gilles to be the heirs.
Rumors that make no sense:
Kessel to Calgary: Lack of size, grit, and work ethic as well as a salary that would impede signing Bennett, Monahan, and Gaudreau.
Lucic to Calgary: Calgary has a younger version of Lucic in Ferland and/or Bouma. Calgary needs RW’s not LW’s.
Oshie’s gritty style of play would fit well in Calgary, despite being smallish. The rest of the wingers are gambles, and I would rather let the prospects like Bennett compete for the spot or trade for Sharp if you believe he has 3-5 good years left in him.
Defense I can see them adding a cheap depth guy in FA assuming it doesn’t break the bank. I think there will be competition for Jackman and I think he will decline fast based on his style.
I think they will let their goalies compete internally to be starter. No point in spending resources on areas that aren’t problems (unless think Hiller, Ortio, and Ramo are all garbage).
The price for Oshie would likely be extreme and the players that need to be returned to St. Louis would have to be NHL ready top 6 players. So that leaves Gaudreau, Monahan, Hudler, Bennett and maybe Ferland as your trade bait. With the exception of Hudler I can not see it happening.
On Defense Paul Martin and Jackman are on the wrong side of 30. Martin probably will sign for aroun 4 M and Jackman for around 3 – 3.5.
Sekera would likely be in that same 3 to 3.5 unless teams out there get really stupid.
Goaltending wise it comes down to if you get these other pieces are you close enough to being a true contender. If you are you need a goalie today and Bernier offers that.
Well written. Sound reasoning. I agree on almost all accounts. I don’t see the size issue as that much of a problem but agree that with Jones only having 1 season left a big power forward would make a great addition.
The kids being worked in are all bigger. Colborne, Ferland, Jooris & Bennett. Colborne is the oldest but the monster players take longer to develop & fill out. All will fill out as they grow into their height. Those in the wings have decent size as well in Poirier, Agistino, Hanowski & Jankowski but not certain all will be NHLer’s.
I also think the goalie situation resolves it’s self. I’d move Ortio in as the back up to Hiller this season & based on how that goes determine if Hiller gets resigned or Calgary addresses via UFA signing or trade next season. The also have Gillis in the wings, 2 or 3 years. Getting a decent goalie isn’t the hard part. Getting a stud is. I break goalies into 4 categories. Studs top 5, we all know who they are, Lundqvist, Rinne, Quick, Price & Rask. Stars, 6 thru 10, mid tiers, 11 thru 20 & bottom feeders, 21 thru 30. With only 30 starting positions & more than 30 good goalies available getting a decent goalie, a goalie who can play a minimum of 55 games & maintain at least a .915 save % is sufficient to be very successful & if they get hot at the right time could win the cup. See Ward in Carolina. No other position is more a reflection of his teams ability than goalie. What would a Fleury, Crawford, Bishop, etc have put up for #”s playing in Edmonton the last 3 seasons? Not good I expect based on any numbers you choose to use. Save % which I feel is the best reflection of a goalies abilities is also seriously flawed as it doesn’t account for quality of shots currently. Teams like NYR allow you to shoot at will from the outside. All shots on goal count regardless of quality. In Edmonton the quality of shots faced by their goalies is staggering as neither their defense nor their core group of stud forwards have any comprehension of how to play defense except marginally. Pardon me it has nothing to do with comprehension but a willingness to do so, putting team wins ahead of personal stats. Unfortunately sound defensive play for a forward doesn’t pay well in the NHL.
This is the team that Jerome would have drooled for and the only person missing is him.
That being said Iggy is not a good fit right now from a leadership perspective. You don’t need to have torn loyalties.
Agreed.
Nice job – just one comment –
Chris Stewart should have been a Ted Nolan kind of guy – heart, hit and hustle. Those things just didn’t happen on a regular basis. Colorado, St. Louis, Buffalo all traded him – now it looks like Minny is gonna let him walk.
Maybe Chris would work on a one year deal, give him a chance to re-establish himself again. Then again, he also may end up as a regular in the press box.
Most likely lineup:
Gaudreau – Monahan – Loui Eriksson
Ferland – Bennett – Hudler
Raymond – Backlund – Jones
Colborne – Stajan – Jooris/ Bollig/ Granlund
Giordano – Brodie
Wideman – Sekera
Russell – Engelland/ Nakladal
I think Calgary will make a move as Hudler only has 1 year left & might be difficult to retain, as does Jones & with so many teams facing a cap crunch it is the perfect time to address but I don’t project what might be other than to say UFA/trade/or promotion. Baring a trade or free agent acquisition I see it this way in Calgary.
Gaudreau, Monahan, Hudler.
Bennett, Backlund, Colborne.
Ferlund, Stajan, Jones.
Bollig, Jooris, Raymond.
Extra forward Granlund.
Giordano, Brodie.
Wideman, Russell.
Smid, Engelland.
Wotherspoon, promotion.
Hiller, Ortio.
All that said I expect something significant to happen in Calgary changing the above.
Well a friend of a friend of a friend said Brad Trevling is currently being listed as injured with upper and lower body injuries.
After hearing that I got in contact with his massage therapist she say “Cawpool tunnaue in hi hans” which considering she is Asian it is either carpal tunnel in his hands from dialing so many numbers or that Brad is Car pooling with a guy named Hans.
Any who when pressed she said the “Wower boy insuie is boosing in the uppa wag” so maybe bruising in the buttocks region from being kicked in the behind to make more calls or she really likes his boy but somebody is booing in a wig???
And if you believe this story don’t read Elliot Friedmans piece. At least mine is more entertaining.
Bottom line Burke and Trevling are not going to waste an opportunity to take advantage of the over spenders and/or find the right people to fill some of the holes. I almost expect them to go with younger guys like Beau Bennett, Connolly and maybe an offer sheet on Tinordi and Hamilton.
Hamhuis & Lack for Grigorenko and 31st
Opens some cap space for Canucks
That’s not happening.
I like that trade len sabres have young depth at center and grig needs a change of scenery that trade makes sence
So what would be the likely starting goalie in Buffalo and depending on Bogos health the best D with any kind experience in Buffalo for a guy who at best is a 3 C behind Sedin and Bonino (possibly who will bolt to the KHL) and a second round pick?….ummmmm no.
are you drunk shticky?? lol whatever is that gibberish you just wrote?
If you cant understand why Van wouldnt be trading a top 4 D and a goalie who would be the starter in Buffalo for a second round pick and and a kid who looks more like a bust everyday and is likely to bein the KHL within 2 seasons there is no helping you…Griegerenko played in what 20 25 games in buffalo last year? Behind a center the Sabres are thinking of buying out? So he couldnt take over Hodgsons spot , but he would be good in Van where they have Sedin Bonino Horvat Gaunce Shinkaruck…I think the Canucks have 5 or 6 better better options for centers and their farm team just wen to the Calder finals the trade makes no sense its giving away 2 good players for a second round pick. Easier ways to make caproom then to give good players away in bad trades.
still drunk shticky?? you must of went on one hell of a bender!! lol